Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Inc
About Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Inc
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services helps eligible Delawareans move through civil legal problems that can shape housing, family life, safety, and work. The organization recruits, trains, and mentors volunteer attorneys, then puts that support to use in matters like domestic violence family law, eviction defense, estate documents, adult guardianships, and second-chance record relief. For donors, the appeal is simple, practical, and close to home, legal help gets into cases that might otherwise stay out of reach.
What stands out here is the volunteer attorney model, which does more than send cases out into the world. DVLS also recruits, trains, and mentors the lawyers who take them. That structure shows up across a wide range of civil legal work, from eviction defense and guardianships to estate documents and record relief.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
PFA Pro Bono Program
Evaluates Protection From Abuse cases, reviews petitions and supporting documents, and places the most meritorious cases with volunteer attorneys before the hearing.
Eviction Defense Program, Right to Representation
Provides legal representation and tenant advocacy for renters facing eviction through collaboration with other Delaware legal aid agencies.
Family law for victims of domestic violence
Assists with custody and visitation when there is domestic violence, Protection From Abuse matters, and limited divorce paperwork in cases involving domestic violence.
Estate documents
Helps eligible clients prepare wills, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and Miller trusts.
Uncontested adult guardianship
Assists with uncontested guardianship cases for adults with disabilities when a physician believes they are unable to make their own decisions.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status assistance
Provides limited help for children seeking lawful permanent residency when they cannot live with one or both parents because of abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Sheriff’s sale excess proceeds assistance
May assist rightful owners after a sheriff’s sale when excess proceeds are involved and the amount to be returned is less than $5,000.
JPMC Second Chance Career Program
Reviews criminal backgrounds for individuals referred by partner nonprofits to determine whether FDIC waivers, pardons, or expungements may help with career opportunities in financial services or information technology.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To provide quality pro bono legal services to individuals with meritorious civil legal problems.
Who they serve
Indigent and low-income Delawareans with meritorious civil legal problems, including victims of domestic violence, tenants facing eviction, older adults, and people seeking estate, guardianship, immigration, or record-clearing help.
How your donation helps
- Quality pro bono civil legal services for eligible Delawareans
- Volunteer attorney recruitment, training, and mentoring
- Representation in domestic violence, eviction defense, guardianship, estate, and second-chance legal matters
- Community outreach and pro bono case support
Our story
Delaware Volunteer Legal Services was established in 1981 by the Delaware State Bar Association, after severe cutbacks in the federally funded Legal Services Corporation left a gap that needed filling. The organization grew by expanding the role of the private bar and by focusing on quality pro bono legal services for Delawareans with meritorious civil legal problems.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Inc’s services.
Eligible clients use the online intake process for specific matter types. DVLS serves clients with meritorious civil legal problems and generally targets people at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, with some matters eligible up to 200% of the poverty level. For other legal issues, delegalhelplink.org provides information and resources for possible assistance.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"I love the people I work with. There is never a dull moment in the office."
"Pardons and Expungements give us an opportunity to show to our clients that the legal system is broad enough to give clients a second chance."
"Individuals seeking pro bono assistance may be facing some of the most challenging times in their lives."
Events
Wills Events
Community outreach events that support eligible clients with wills and related estate documents.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Delaware Volunteer Legal Services Inc has shared.
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer attorneys for available pro bono cases
- Attorney mentors and consultants
- Pro bono counsel for PFA cases
- Volunteers for guardianship, estate, eviction defense, and second-chance legal matters
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Pro Bono Celebration Week Tribute to Delaware Volunteer Legal Services, 2025
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How do people apply for help from DVLS?
Eligible clients start with the online intake process for the type of legal issue they have.
What kinds of civil legal matters does DVLS handle?
DVLS helps with family law for victims of domestic violence, estate documents, uncontested adult guardianships, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, sheriff’s sale excess proceeds, eviction defense, and some second-chance record-relief matters.
Who generally qualifies for DVLS services?
DVLS generally serves people at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, with some matters available up to 200% of the poverty level.
What should someone do if they have a legal issue DVLS does not handle?
For other legal issues, delegalhelplink.org offers information and resources that may help.
Similar nonprofits
Other legal services nonprofits in DE.